[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame] Queen’s iconic songs: must-hear signature tracks chosen by fans

Under PressureQueen & David Bowie

Queen and David Bowie – Under Pressure (Official Video)

A song jointly produced by Queen and David Bowie, with which Queen achieved their second number-one on the UK chart.

The music video features several scenes from silent films, as well as footage of Japan’s commuter rush.

Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)Queen

Queen – Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) (Official Lyric Video)

Queen has had many fans in Japan since their debut.

This song mixes Japanese and English lyrics, and the chorus is sung in Japanese.

It’s also a track that’s frequently used in Japanese commercials.

In addition, it has been covered by artists such as Aoi Teshima.

I Want to Break FreeQueen

Queen – I Want To Break Free (High Quality)

In the music video for this song, the members appear in drag, each parodying British TV shows of the time.

As the title suggests, it’s a song about the desire to be free, and in South Africa it was reportedly sung like a theme song opposing the apartheid racial segregation policy.

Another One Bites the DustQueen

Queen – Another One Bites the Dust (Official Video)

It’s said that Michael Jackson encouraged releasing this song as a single.

It certainly has a Michael Jackson–like dance-pop vibe, but I think the powerful vocals and the rock band feel of the phrases are outstanding.

The bass line feels great.

BreakthruQueen

Queen – Breakthru (Official Video Remastered)

Although the songwriting is credited to Queen, this song was actually co-written by Roger and Freddie.

For the music video shoot, they chartered a railway for two days, rented a real train, and had it painted for Queen, incurring an enormous cost.

Also, the woman riding the train with Freddie is said to be a model who was Roger’s girlfriend at the time.

Who Wants To Live ForeverQueen

Queen – Who Wants To Live Forever (Official Video)

This song was produced by Brian long before Freddie passed away.

If you listen while carefully taking in the lyrics, it feels all the more poignant.

The string accompaniment adds a sense of grandeur, and the song’s wide dynamic range offers a glimpse of the members’ refined sensibilities.

Good Old Fashioned Lover BoyQueen

Queen – Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy (Top Of The Pops, 1977)

This song is about a stylish boy who’s good at love, and both the lyrics and the tone give it a cute impression.

The interjections by Roger and Brian are the words of another boy teasing him.

Although Freddie had not publicly identified as bisexual at the time, there are hints in the song that the boy’s lover might be a man rather than a woman, which has sparked speculation among fans.